DOI Establishes Stress Reduction Lab at Headquarters
The Department of the Interior’s (DOI) Headquarters opened a Stress Reduction Lab on January 10, 2001, as part of the agency’s Celebration of Work/Life.
In spring 2000, DOI became intrigued with the concept of a stress reduction lab upon learning about one established by the Department of Health and Human Services’ (HHS) Work Life Center in Washington, DC. From the start, DOI top
management fully embraced the concept and took an active interest in establishing one at Headquarters.
The staff from DOI’s National Business Center first requested a tour of the HHS facility. After the tour was conducted, the DOI’s Office of Personnel Policy followed up by asking HHS questions about the operation, design, and program offerings of their Lab. Together the two DOI offices designed a lab that was similar to HHS’ but fit within the resources and needs of the DOI.
The offices then held several meetings to make decisions about the facility’s name along with key design elements, such as wall color, carpet color, type of furniture, furniture placement, and appropriate lighting. In addition, items such as audio and video tapes, and printed materials were selected.
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Video Addresses Workplace
Domestic Violence Issues
Domestic Violence: The Workplace Responds, a
15-minute video produced by the Office for Victims of Crime
and the Family Violence Prevention Fund, is designed for
employers and domestic violence service providers. The video
is closed-captioned.
Survivors of domestic violence, their
co-workers, employers and experts share their real-life
stories that powerfully demonstrate the impact of domestic
violence on the workplace. This video shows employers and
coworkers how they can assist employees who are in abusive
relationships.
For a copy of this video, contact the Family
Violence Prevention Fund or the Office of Crime Resource
Center at (800) 627-6872. An accompanying training resource
kit and additional workplace educational materials are
available through the Family Violence Prevention Fund at http://www.fvpf.org/store
or (415) 252-8900.
* If you or someone you know is in an
abusive relationship, please call the National
Domestic Violence Hotline at (800) 799-SAFE or (800) 787-
3224 for the hearing impaired.
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The Stress Reduction Lab is located in a quiet room at the end of a hall. In it are an ergonomic "stressless" reclining chair, a loveseat, two tables, a television and VCR, audio equipment, and adjustable lighting. The colors featured in the room are soothing and neutral. The client can choose from a wide selection of relaxation-inducing audio and video tapes or can create "white noise" from a special sound machine.
The Lab is available by appointment only through a credentialed employee assistance program counselor. The counselor meets with employees to discuss what is contributing to the employee’s "stress" and makes suggestions for relaxation. Depending on his or her assessment, the counselor may refer the employee for counseling or another type of resource that could be therapeutic. Employees who have used the lab have reported various types of stressors, both work and life related.
Some marketing has been done but the DOI plans to heighten publicity efforts in the coming months and the Lab use is expected to increase. The Department is currently exploring the possibility of allowing other agencies within close proximity to have access to the Lab. The Bureau of Land Management featured the Lab at its health fair in February. The Lab served as a gathering place for employees to learn about and practice relaxation techniques in group sessions. In the future, presentations about stress reduction and other innovative formats will foster greater use of the Lab.
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